#Chapter 47 Doctor’s Orders

I was exhausted. I’d heard people say they were bone-tired, but this went deeper than my bones. It was like my panic had reached inside of me and sapped something vital straight out of my soul, leaving me less than a whole person should be. Once the worst had passed, Elroy picked me up and carried me to our hallway, with Astor trailing behind. I just sagged against Elroy’s chest, too drained to protest, or even open my eyes. It was nice being in his arms, and what was I going to do, walk there on my own? I forced my eyes open as Elroy lay me gently on a bed, looking up at the dark ceiling of the Ruby Room. "Elroy," I rasped, my voice trembling. It took everything in me to speak, but this couldn’t wait. "The baby... we need to make sure..." He nodded, worry etched across his face. "Astor’s gone to get mom,” he said, brushing the hair off my sweaty face with a tenderness that scared me. I hadn’t even noticed Astor had left. I closed my eyes. It was okay, Iris was coming. Elr